Naruhito’s visit commemorates the 80th anniversary of the conclusion of World War II. In recent years, he has visited some of the most bloody battlegrounds and bombing sites, including Iwo Jima, Okinawa, and Hiroshima.read more
On Sunday, Japan’s Emperor Naruhito began a weeklong visit to Mongolia, where he planned to honour hundreds of Japanese prisoners of war who were detained in brutal conditions.
Naruhito’s visit commemorates the 80th anniversary of the conclusion of World War II. In recent years, he has visited some of the most bloody battlegrounds and bombing sites, including Iwo Jima, Okinawa, and Hiroshima. The emperor has stated that this is part of his commitment to atone for and remember the tragedy of war committed in the name of his grandfather, Emperor Hirohito.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
While the great bulk of Japanese soldiers were sent to Siberia, around 12,000 to 14,000 ended up in Mongolia, where they fought alongside the Soviets against Japan.
Most of the POWs were put to hard labor and construction work for the Mongolian government’s headquarters, a state university and a theater that are still preserved in the capital Ulaanbaatar. The prisoners toiled under harsh conditions and scarce food. Japanese records show about 1,700 of them died in Mongolia.
“As we mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the war this year, we should never forget the pain and sorrow of the people,” Naruhito said last week. “I believe it is important to not forget those who died, deepen understanding of the wartime past and to nurture the peace-loving heart.”
Naruhito and Masako were scheduled to meet Mongolia’s President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh and his wife. The couple will also attend the opening ceremony of Naadam, Mongolia’s annual festival that focuses on three traditional games of horseracing, wrestling and archery.
Naruhito had previously visited Mongolia as crown prince in 2007.
AloJapan.com